just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling...

Holidays. I love them as much as I dread them. I haven’t mustered-up the courage to hit the streets in my own holiday bustle. I wish I had the time to be extra crafty, because then I would make stuff for the people I love. I know two Jennifers that knit and I can’t get past step one - you know, the buying the yarn and needles part. So, if I changed my name perhaps I could learn to knit fast enough to hang some of my own stockings with care.

The world tells us that we aren’t good people if don’t give gifts. Scratch that - if we don’t BUY gifts. Apparently, it’s not even an option for those of us over the age of 12. And I guess my husband doesn’t love me if there isn’t a Lexus with a big red bow in our driveway. Who the heck are these people? And why do they get to dictate to me how my holiday should be spent.

So in the spirit of Christmas, here is my very own wish list - sans the Coach hobo I’ve been coveting: a day where I can sleep until 9:00 AM without guilt; coffee in bed from my husband; a day where we focus on the birth of our Savior, for real, not just as a gesture; a day where family doesn’t compete for who’s giving the best gift; a day where dishes do not default to me; and a day where I can snuggle down deep into the love I can feel radiating from those I hold dearest. The best part? It’s free - unless you count the beans for the coffee. Free, yet priceless. The same could be said of salvation, I guess.

Good luck out there. Don’t feel pressure to buy, buy, buy. That’s not what it’s about. Really. I’m serious.